Brian Okonkwo benefits from first-team involvement

Yesterday at 08:46 AM

Arsenal’s last two games didn’t go to plan but they were still significant occasions for Brian Okonwko, with the 19-year-old selected as the third-choice goalkeeper for both first-team fixtures.

With Tommy Setford out injured and Alexei Rojas on international duty with Colombia U20s, Okonkwo (the younger brother of former Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur) travelled with the first-team squad for the Premier League game away to Brighton.

Okonkwo also warmed up with David Raya and 16-year-old Jack Porter ahead of last night’s Carabao Cup game at home to Newcastle.

It wasn’t the first time that Okonkwo has been involved in a first-team environment as he previously had loan spells at non-league clubs Hitchin, Letherhead and Cheshunt.

A tall goalkeeper who commands his penalty area well, Okonkwo signed scholarship terms with Arsenal in 2022 before progressing to a professional contract last summer.

So far this season Okonkwo has featured twice in Premier League 2 as well as making two appearances in the EFL Trophy.

Okonkwo’s recent involvement with the first-team should prove to be very beneficial for his development.

Arsenal U21s, meanwhile, are back in action on Monday night with an away game against Norwich City.

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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird

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